Intro to Improv:  Your HAROLD training starts here!

You will start learning basic improv and performance skills, practicing concepts like making your partner look good, “Yes, and..”, creating mimed objects and environments, establishing relationships, and holding on to an emotional point of view. Finally you start to apply these skills to make up short scenes with a partner. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: None!

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required for this course to run.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: Sep 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day:  Mon Dec 1

ShowCase: Saturday Dec 6th Block 3: 2PM - 3PM

Room: Smith

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Kirsten LaCerda's love for improv comedy began at a young age. Performing since 2004, she won "Best Improviser" at the Virginia Thespian Society Conference in 2008. She has taken improv classes with Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, and legends like Tim Meadows. Since relocating to Philly, Kirsten has performed on multiple PHIT teams, including Thank You, Places, the improvised musical, which continues to perform every 4th Friday at Tavern on Camac. She strongly encourages you to purchase her children's books, The Poo-Poo Party or Taco Steve: The Quest for the Elder Taco, which can be found and loved on Amazon.

Intermediate Improv: Scene work

You continue to build on the skills learned in 101 as you progress toward performing HAROLD. Learn how to listen for, and heighten ideas, create 2nd beats, and use simple edits while continuing to create mimed objects and environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: WEDNESDAYS

Dates: Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day: Wed Dec 3

ShowCase: Sat Dec 6th Block 1 10AM - 11:30 AM

Room: 1976

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Kristofer Hodge is a comedian from the Philadelphia area who has been performing improv, sketch and stand-up comedy since 2015. In addition to collaborating on multiple Philly Improv Theater house teams, he also taught improv as part of PHIT’s former Kids and Teams program. Kristofer has taught improv workshops at Neumann University and currently teaches a variety of comedy classes at Haverford Township Adult School and Main Line School Night.

What Others Say:

"Kris was really encouraging and positive. "

"If you want to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in a fun way (with the guidance of a fantastic instructor), sign up asap :) "

Advanced Improv- Full Harold Structure

You have accomplished quite a bit to this point. Each previous level has built upon and deepened your individual improv abilities: creating environments, creating characters, recognizing patterns, and creating 3 beat stories. In 401 you put all the parts together to learn the Harold structure. Starting with Openings, 1st,2nd and 3rd beats, group games, exploring and creating  memorable and powerful themes on which to build a solid framework and foundation for HAROLD.

Meets once a week for eight weeks.

An optional ninth week may be offered as a bonus practice or makeup session, subject to instructor availability and scheduling.

Due to the collaborative nature of this course, it is strongly suggested you are able to attend all of the classes for maximum learning. You must be able to attend the final class in order to perform in the showcase.

Spots in this course are limited - sign up early!

Prerequisites: PHIT level 301 or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register. All classes must be paid in full before the first class meeting.

A minimum of 8 registered students is needed to run this class.

Age 18+

Day: WEDNESDAYS

Dates:  Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Make-up / Practice Day: Wed Dec 3

Class Location: Brown-Martin

Showcase Date & Time: WINTER PHEST - Sat Dec 6th EVENING

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 North 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Tenara is a theater maker and educator with a strong background and interest in improvisation. She iearned her Masters of Fine Arts in Devised Performance from the University of the Arts/Pig Iron Theatre Company. Tenara teaches Improv 101 - 401, various electives.

What Others Say:

"Tenara's teaching style was great in building everyone up in addition to offering ways to grow"

"Tenara is the best mix of silly and serious, and she's super dedicated to the work ... I really appreciate her thorough knowledge and her critiques that always made me want to do better and take action the next time around."

"Tenara was great! She really set the stage for the class and exhibited great enthusiasm for all activities, drills, etc. She did a great job pointing out what worked in scenes/games and what needed to be improved upon in a way that felt productive and supportive."

"Tenara was absolutely awesome. She gave us appropriate space and reinforced all the key skills. She also was outstanding at making suggestions and providing examples."

"Tenara is so intelligent and patient. A great teacher!"

"She was very in tune to everyone's needs"

Intermediate Improv: Scene work

You continue to build on the skills learned in 101 as you progress toward performing HAROLD. Learn how to listen for, and heighten ideas, create 2nd beats, and use simple edits while continuing to create mimed objects and environment, clear character relationships, strong points of view, and close ensemble work. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT Improv 101 or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class

Day: SUNDAYS

Dates: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00pm

Make-Up/Practice Day: Sunday Nov 30

ShowCase:  Sun Dec 7 10:30 AM - Noon

Room: 1976

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Christopher Cauffman Cooke is a Philadelphia actor, singer, musician, and clown currently pursuing his MFA in Devised Theatre at The Pig Iron School. Dedicated to the discovery, play, and joy inherent in live performance, he has explored improv as a medium for many years.Looking forward to seeing you in class!

Intermediate- Advanced Improv: Story, Games, 3rd beats: You are well on your way to performing a HAROLD.

This level marks a shift from the paired scene work of 101 and 201. Instead of focusing on 2–3 person scenes, you’ll be working as a full ensemble. The emphasis is on recognizing patterns, building group mind, and initiating spontaneous group games—skills that are essential to HAROLD and other long form formats. You can also expect more individualized feedback and in-the-moment coaching to help deepen your performance.

Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Prerequisites: PHIT level 201 or permission of the Education Director

Adults 18+

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

 A minimum of 8 students is required to run this class.

Day: SUNDAYS

Dates: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make-Up/Practice Day: Sun Nov 30

ShowCase: Sun Dec 7 10:30 AM - Noon

Room: Smith

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Dave Allison is a Philadelphia based actor, director and educator; he also manages a devised company in the city. He holds his BFA in Acting from Arcadia University, and post grad has trained with the Pig Iron School and The Wilma Theatre. Dave has experience teaching all ages at a large variety of experience. At PHIT, Dave has taught all 4 core level classes, as well as electives like: La Ronde and Characters in Motion, a movement workshop for Improvisors. Dave has been featured in Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival, and has directed in local children’s theatres to Villanova’s student music theatre company. 

What Others Say:

 “I recommend class with Dave more than ice cream!” PHIT Student 101 & 201.

“Dave is an amazing instructor! He immediately made everyone feel welcomed and free to express themselves and be goofy and expressive. His lessons had a clear focus and were full of information helpful to beginners. He provided direct feedback and an energetic attitude that inspired everyone. Love that guy.”

"I think what I loved most is Dave respecting what each person brought to each exercise and helping them improv in their own style. Each week was so much fun and I learned so much"

"A class with Dave is like taking a breath of fresh air. Any troubles, any feelings of nervousness or apprehension will disappear and be replaced with a willingness to try new things and take on new identities. His enthusiasm and energy is contagious and makes the 2 hours of fun fly by."

"Dave was very open. The class really worked well as a team and Dave fostered that. "

"Dave is passionate about teaching and improving his craft. I felt like the entire was extremely supported while also being challenged to grow. Dave is amazing!"

Take an Intro to Improv Workshop!

Join this 90-minute improv workshop to get a taste of the fun awaiting you in our 8-week Level 101 improv class!

You'll dive into key improv concepts like Yes And, spontaneity, and creative collaboration, and even try your hand at improvised scene work.

These workshops are perfect for anyone, regardless of experience level, age, or background. Whether you're looking to explore improv, boost public speaking confidence, or just have fun and meet new people, these workshops are for you.

A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You may join an intro workshop without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll offer you a promo code that you apply when you sign up for a full class, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

** Students will be given a promo code to use when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

Intro to Improv fees (and promo codes) cannot be combined or used in addition to other promotional discounts. One code per customer.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: Dec 9

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Tyler Leif Catanella is a teaching artist, performer, deviser and musician. Before moving to Philadelphia to pursue an MFA in Devised Performance with Pig Iron Theatre Company, Tyler lived in Boston where he taught Acting, Devising, Dance Composition & Improvisation at Emerson College for 5 years as an Adjunct Faculty in the Performing Arts Department.  Tyler was the co-founder and artistic director of ParadiseMoves, a non-profit performance company with a mission to share stories through movement that inspire conversation, and make movement improvisation accessible to all regardless of physical ability or experience. Tyler fosters way too many cats, listens to too much Missy Elliott, and is thrilled to be teaching at PHIT!

Take an Intro to Improv Workshop!

Join this 90-minute improv workshop to get a taste of the fun awaiting you in our 8-week Level 101 improv class!

You'll dive into key improv concepts like Yes And, spontaneity, and creative collaboration, and even try your hand at improvised scene work.

These workshops are perfect for anyone, regardless of experience level, age, or background. Whether you're looking to explore improv, boost public speaking confidence, or just have fun and meet new people, these workshops are for you.

A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You may join an intro workshop without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll offer you a promo code that you apply when you sign up for a full class, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

** Students will be given a promo code to use when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

Intro to Improv fees (and promo codes) cannot be combined or used in addition to other promotional discounts. One code per customer.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: SUNDAY

Date: Dec 14 2025

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

Dominick “Dom” Arp (he/him) has been an improviser in the Philly community for over 10 years. He is currently performing with Roll Play, Show and Tell Live, and KDM. Currently he is also the president of the Philadelphia Improv Social Club. Having additionally trained in public speaking, theater, & business administration, he is passionate about the power of combining theory, theatrics, and policy in order to grow the Philly improv community.

What Others Say:

"Dom always had an upbeat generous attitude"

"Dom is great! He has the perfect balance of theory and practice. I feel like I learn so much while also having a ton of fun."

"Dom has an incredible approach and exudes positivity while giving clear feedback!"

"Dom gave great, specific feedback and created a warm and supportive environment. "

Take an Intro to Improv Workshop!

Join this 90-minute improv workshop to get a taste of the fun awaiting you in our 8-week Level 101 improv class!

You'll dive into key improv concepts like Yes And, spontaneity, and creative collaboration, and even try your hand at improvised scene work.

These workshops are perfect for anyone, regardless of experience level, age, or background. Whether you're looking to explore improv, boost public speaking confidence, or just have fun and meet new people, these workshops are for you.

A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You may join an intro workshop without committing to register for a full class.

We're so sure you'll love it, though, that we'll offer you a promo code that you apply when you sign up for a full class, essentially giving you a FREE WORKSHOP!

** Students will be given a promo code to use when registering for a full 101 improv class. Please check your reminder emails. **

Intro to Improv fees (and promo codes) cannot be combined or used in addition to other promotional discounts. One code per customer.

Adults 18+

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No credits.  No Exchanges. Not transferable. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Date: Dec 17

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: TBD

About the Instructor:

What others say: